Carol Vorderman talks about her knickers

The streamlined co-presenter of Countdown Carol Vorderman, who seems to pop up everywhere with her svelte figure, has revealed that her figure is not born entirely of her diet - the secret to her success is in her underwear.

Carol, 43, says that the so-called 'gripper knickers' are abound in celebrity circles.

She told Closer magazine: "Grippers are big pants that hold everything in and come up to your boobs. Most department stores stock them.

"I know loads of celebs who use them, even slim 20-somethings, but I can't name names."

Five years ago Vorderman lost two stone on a detox diet and subsequently launched a series of dietary books and flaunted her figure for GQ magazine.